In February 2013, John Stokoe, from Boy Scout Troop Troop
321, contacted Tradewinds Park management regarding his offer to complete an Eagle Scout Project at
the park. They discussed some ideas and mutually agreed that
installing bat houses would be a worthwhile project. The south side of
Tradewinds Park is home to world famous Butterfly World, and with its
presence County staff is unable to apply any insecticides to control mosquito
populations. A creative solution was to increase the bat population to
reduce mosquitos in a natural fashion.

The bat house construction project was researched, presented,
and approved for completion. On August 16, 2014, John Stokoe brought a
crew of scouts and materials to install three new bat houses. The
installations were in areas that park management discussed and approved that
would be most beneficial to park patrons. Park staff surveyed the work
completed and all were in agreement that the work was high quality and best
practices were utilized.

The staff at Tradewinds Park really appreciates
John R. Stokoe’s time, research and generous contribution to the
community. His work will result in park patrons having a more enjoyable
experience at Tradewinds Park for a long time to come.